THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING DESCRIBED… EARNESTLY?
Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Thurs 20 Sept; The Riverfront, Newport, Wed 26 Sept
Tobias St. Michael III, the most talented director that never existed, invites you to an open rehearsal of an Oscar Wilde classic, reinterpreted using audio description to make it more inclusive. Chloë Clarke and the Elbow Room Theatre Company are bringing something new and exciting to theatres in south Wales this autumn – an improvised comedy where audio description takes centre stage.
The ‘rehearsing’ actors from a fictional theatre company, led by a dictatorial director, attempt to provide their own audio description of the events that unfold during the play, leading to a comedy of errors that turns the more earnest world of Wilde into something more resembling a British farce. The show promises songs, sounds and physical comedy, but most interestingly, the use of audio description as a dramatic device, letting the audience interpret the action in a number of ways.
As well as being something different creatively, the prominent use of audio described action means that visually impaired audiences can enjoy a show that has their needs fully integrated into the performance – not just as an add-on to aid their appreciation. As the company itself puts it, “In earnest, throw away those headsets – we’re all in this together.”
Tickets: £10/£8 conc. Info: 01646 695267 (Thurs 20); 01633 656757 (Wed 26) (MH)
